When it comes to whipping up a delicious and satisfying meal in a hurry, 30 Minute General Tsos Chicken is a dish that never disappoints. This Asian-inspired recipe combines tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and a savory sauce that will have your taste buds dancing. In just thirty minutes, you can create a flavorful dish that rivals your favorite takeout. It’s quick, easy, and absolutely irresistible!
Why It’s My Go-To

There are countless reasons why 30 Minute General Tsos Chicken has become a staple in my kitchen. First and foremost, the cooking time is a game-changer. With our busy lives, having a recipe that can be ready in half an hour is a blessing. Secondly, the flavor profile is out of this world! The combination of tamari or soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and chili paste brings a delicious umami flavor that keeps you coming back for more. Plus, the addition of broccoli not only adds a pop of color but also a nutritious crunch. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends, this dish always impresses!
Ingredient List
To make this delectable 30 Minute General Tsos Chicken, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 pounds chicken breasts or thighs, cut into cubes
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- Black pepper and chili flakes, to taste
- 1/4 cup flour or gluten-free flour
- 4 tablespoons melted butter or extra virgin olive oil
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- Sesame seeds and green onion, for serving
- 1/3 cup tamari or soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon chili paste
- 6 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
Equipment at a Glance
You’ll need a few essential tools to make this recipe effortless:
- A large skillet or wok for cooking the chicken and vegetables
- A mixing bowl for combining the sauce ingredients
- A spoon or spatula for stirring
- A cutting board and knife for prepping the chicken and vegetables
Mastering 30 Minute General Tsos Chicken: How-To

Follow these simple steps to create your own 30 Minute General Tsos Chicken masterpiece:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by cutting your chicken breasts or thighs into bite-sized cubes. This helps them cook quickly and evenly.
Step 2: Season and Flour
In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken with garlic powder, black pepper, and chili flakes. Toss to coat the chicken evenly. Sprinkle the flour over the seasoned chicken and mix again until well coated.
Step 3: Sauté the Chicken
Heat 2 tablespoons of melted butter or olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the coated chicken pieces. Cook for about 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
Step 4: Add Garlic and Broccoli
When the chicken is nearly done, add the chopped garlic and broccoli florets to the skillet. Sauté for an additional 3-4 minutes until the broccoli is bright green and tender-crisp.
Step 5: Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the tamari or soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, chili paste, ground ginger, and toasted sesame oil. Pour this sauce over the chicken and broccoli in the skillet.
Step 6: Combine and Serve
Stir well to coat the chicken and broccoli in the sauce, allowing it to simmer for just a minute to heat through. Remove from heat, and serve hot, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
Spring–Summer–Fall–Winter Ideas

This 30 Minute General Tsos Chicken recipe is versatile and can be enjoyed throughout the year. Here are some ideas for seasonal variations:
- Spring: Add snap peas or asparagus for a fresh, vibrant twist.
- Summer: Serve over a bed of cold rice noodles for a refreshing summer salad.
- Fall: Incorporate sliced bell peppers and carrots for a colorful autumn dish.
- Winter: Use frozen broccoli and add in some sliced mushrooms for a hearty winter meal.
Notes from the Test Kitchen
- Feel free to adjust the spice level by adding more or less chili paste.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour and tamari sauce.
- Marinating the chicken in the sauce for 15 minutes before cooking can enhance the flavor even more.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet; cook the chicken in batches if necessary for optimal browning.
Keep It Fresh: Storage Guide
Leftover 30 Minute General Tsos Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. If you have extra sauce, drizzle it over the chicken while reheating for added flavor.
Common Questions
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but be sure to thaw it completely before cubing and cooking for even results.
What can I substitute for hoisin sauce?
If you don’t have hoisin sauce, you can use a mixture of soy sauce and a tiny bit of sugar as a substitute.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! It holds up well for meal prep, making it a great option for weekly lunches or dinners.
Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
Yes! Feel free to add any of your favorite vegetables, such as bell peppers, snap peas, or even water chestnuts for extra crunch.
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See You at the Table
With its quick preparation time and vibrant flavors, 30 Minute General Tsos Chicken is sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re cooking for family or hosting friends, this dish will delight taste buds and leave everyone asking for seconds. Grab your ingredients, heat up that skillet, and get ready to enjoy a delicious meal that brings a taste of Asian cuisine right to your dinner table!

30 Minute General Tsos Chicken.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 pounds chicken breasts or thighs cut into cubes
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- to taste black pepper
- to taste chili flakes
- 1/4 cup flour or gluten-free flour
- 4 tablespoons melted butter or extra virgin olive oil
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- to serve sesame seeds and green onion
For the Sauce:
- 1/3 cup tamari or soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon chili paste
- 6 cloves garlic chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
Instructions
Instructions:
- Step 1: Prepare the Chicken - Start by cutting your chicken breasts or thighs into bite-sized cubes for quick cooking.
- Step 2: Season and Flour - In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken with garlic powder, black pepper, and chili flakes. Toss to coat, sprinkle with flour, and mix again.
- Step 3: Sauté the Chicken - Heat 2 tablespoons of melted butter or olive oil in a large skillet. Add the chicken pieces and cook for about 6-7 minutes until golden brown.
- Step 4: Add Garlic and Broccoli - Add chopped garlic and broccoli to the skillet and sauté for an additional 3-4 minutes until the broccoli is bright green.
- Step 5: Make the Sauce - In a small bowl, whisk together the tamari or soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, chili paste, ground ginger, and toasted sesame oil. Pour over the chicken and broccoli.
- Step 6: Combine and Serve - Stir to coat everything in the sauce, simmer for a minute, then serve hot garnished with sesame seeds and green onions.
Equipment
- Large skillet or wok
- Mixing Bowl
- Spoon or spatula
- Cutting Board
- Knife
Notes
- Adjust spice level by adding more or less chili paste.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour and tamari sauce.
- Marinate chicken in sauce for 15 minutes before cooking for enhanced flavor.
- Don't overcrowd the skillet; cook in batches if necessary for optimal browning.
